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02-06-2006, 05:32 PM
When he signed with Kansas last summer, Brandon Rush said he’d block out thoughts about his NBA future until the end of the 2005-06 season.
Lately that’s becoming more and more difficult.
A recent story about Rush in KU’s student newspaper featured a mammoth headline that read “Could He Jump?” His brothers, Kareem and JaRon, are broaching the topic often these days. Then there’s the opinion of the person who matters most.
Rush’s momma.
“My mom thinks I should stay for another year,” Rush said of his mother, Glenda. “I’m probably going to listen to her advice. I’m probably going to take her advice. She knows what’s best for me.”
Hold off on the cartwheels, Kansas fans. No need to start foaming at the mouth as you rush to your Internet message boards. Read the quote again. Rush said Friday that he’ll probably return for his sophomore season. There are no guarantees.
“I’m not saying that anything is (definitive) right now,” Rush said. “It’s coming from everywhere right now, but I’m still going to wait until after the season to decide.”
A handful of NBA scouts attending KU’s recent games have indicated that Rush, a freshman from Kansas City, has already done enough to position himself to be a mid- to low first-round pick in this summer’s NBA draft.
Still, with nine regular-season games remaining — not to mention the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments — the possibility exists that Rush could elevate his draft stock even higher with a string of strong performances.
Asked whether his opinion about returning to school would change if he were projected as a lottery pick, Rush said: “If that comes up, it comes up. I’m still focused on ending the year right. Before I came here I was just worried about myself. Now I’m just focused on the team and how far we can go.”
Another thing working in Kansas’ favor is that Rush is truly enjoying the college experience. It’s obvious that he meshes well with his teammates. Last semester he got a 3.6 grade-point average.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Rush said. “School wasn’t that hard first semester, mostly because of the classes I took.”
Rush begins to smile.
“I think I could probably handle another year in the classroom — with a lot of help,” he chuckled.
Even though his schoolwork hasn’t been that difficult, Rush said he’s definitely enhanced his knowledge when it comes to basketball. Self referred to Rush as a “sponge” because of his eagerness to soak up so much information.
“I’ve picked up a lot of stuff over these past couple of months,” Rush said. “My defense is better, and my shot is better. I couldn’t shoot that well when I first came here. I’m starting to get better with my left hand. It’s real important to me to learn as much as I can.”
Read Full Article from JASON KING, Kansas City Star ( http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/colleges/university_of_kansas/13788799.htm)
Lately that’s becoming more and more difficult.
A recent story about Rush in KU’s student newspaper featured a mammoth headline that read “Could He Jump?” His brothers, Kareem and JaRon, are broaching the topic often these days. Then there’s the opinion of the person who matters most.
Rush’s momma.
“My mom thinks I should stay for another year,” Rush said of his mother, Glenda. “I’m probably going to listen to her advice. I’m probably going to take her advice. She knows what’s best for me.”
Hold off on the cartwheels, Kansas fans. No need to start foaming at the mouth as you rush to your Internet message boards. Read the quote again. Rush said Friday that he’ll probably return for his sophomore season. There are no guarantees.
“I’m not saying that anything is (definitive) right now,” Rush said. “It’s coming from everywhere right now, but I’m still going to wait until after the season to decide.”
A handful of NBA scouts attending KU’s recent games have indicated that Rush, a freshman from Kansas City, has already done enough to position himself to be a mid- to low first-round pick in this summer’s NBA draft.
Still, with nine regular-season games remaining — not to mention the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments — the possibility exists that Rush could elevate his draft stock even higher with a string of strong performances.
Asked whether his opinion about returning to school would change if he were projected as a lottery pick, Rush said: “If that comes up, it comes up. I’m still focused on ending the year right. Before I came here I was just worried about myself. Now I’m just focused on the team and how far we can go.”
Another thing working in Kansas’ favor is that Rush is truly enjoying the college experience. It’s obvious that he meshes well with his teammates. Last semester he got a 3.6 grade-point average.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Rush said. “School wasn’t that hard first semester, mostly because of the classes I took.”
Rush begins to smile.
“I think I could probably handle another year in the classroom — with a lot of help,” he chuckled.
Even though his schoolwork hasn’t been that difficult, Rush said he’s definitely enhanced his knowledge when it comes to basketball. Self referred to Rush as a “sponge” because of his eagerness to soak up so much information.
“I’ve picked up a lot of stuff over these past couple of months,” Rush said. “My defense is better, and my shot is better. I couldn’t shoot that well when I first came here. I’m starting to get better with my left hand. It’s real important to me to learn as much as I can.”
Read Full Article from JASON KING, Kansas City Star ( http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/sports/colleges/university_of_kansas/13788799.htm)